Telecare emergency industry to be regulated in SA

“When compared to how this 25 year old industry operates in Europe, where the consumer is well protected, it is clear that South African stakeholders who have any part in delivering telecare emergency services need to come together to ensure a stringent set of standards is adhered to through the development of an appropriate governing body”.

This is according to Anton de Beer of TeleCare Solutions™ South Africa, who in conjunction with French telecare technology distributor, Intervox, recently appointed Gary Geddis of management consulting firm, IPMG, to pilot the development of TASA (Telecare Association of South Africa) and produce the white paper detailing applicable quality controls and procedures that will standardise how the telecare emergency industry interacts with the end user.

What is a telecare emergency service?

A telecare emergency service covers any medical and emergency monitoring technology & associated assistive service (usually delivered through panic alarms, wireless devices and 2 way voice communication devices) which is used in any medical and emergency situation.

“Besides monitoring and assisting disabled, frail or elderly people through various intercom and waterproof panic button devices, telecare emergency services are also used to ensure frontline employees within businesses have access to 24hour security and emergency response through 2 way voice communication and panic alarm systems” says Gary Geddis.

“We are already talking to the department of Social Services, various nursing homes, Age in Action, Heart and Stroke Foundation, etc. and will be engaging with all affected stakeholders within Government, Police, NGO's, Medical Industry and so forth, to agree on the core needs of these stakeholders and ultimately the end users they serve. The results of these interactions will be built into the basic set of standards that are already followed internationally and aligned with our unique South African socio economic situation” says Gary.

One of TASA's key aims is to provide a central point where stakeholders can contribute to research and the availability of information, thereby creating public awareness and a demand for guaranteed services.

“By introducing norms and standards, we ensure that the consumer is not abused or ‘mis-sold' to. These are lifesaving devices and you can't afford to have sub-standard quality going out into the market with that responsibility” says Gary.

TASA accreditation will take a two fold approach

“TASA will be ensuring through stringent annual audits, that any companies that install telecare devices deliver compliant technology and emergency help services and that after sales service and support standards are in place for the consumer. Should the company meet the requirements of TASA, they will receive the service provider's accreditation accordingly” says Gary.

“Furthermore, stakeholders within the residential and leisure market, such as housing developments, retirement villages, hotels and so forth, can become TASA accredited establishments. Accreditation will need to be renewed annually and will ensure that their infrastructure complies with telecare standards and appropriate technology” says Gary.

First draft of standards expected in 6 months

TASA expects the first draft of standards to be available for review within 6 months. Public announcements will be made at critical intervals to keep consumers informed as to the association's developments. TASA Associates will be kept continually informed internally as the guidelines are developed.

“TASA will in effect create a secure, regulated environment where consumers and stakeholders alike are able to make informed decisions that are benchmarked against a solid set of standards. The future of telecare in South Africa through the emergence of an association like TASA will ensure people of guaranteed, secure help at the push of a button for general and medical emergencies” says Gary

Interested individuals and stakeholders are invited to find out more about the objectives of TASA and how they can contribute to the process of setting telecare standards by contacting Gary Geddis via email at